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| United States Patent |
5,722,277
|
|
Williams
|
March 3, 1998
|
Key ring opener and method of use
Abstract
A key ring opener for spreading apart the adjacent end and intermediate
portions of a split key ring that are spring-urged against each but are
spreadable to allow a key to be placed on or taken off the ring. The
opener includes an annular band having sharp circumferential wedging edges
and is adapted to encircle such a key ring in the same way as a key, and
along with keys on the ring, and a wedging bar extending diametrically of
the band and having sharp wedging edges. The opener is slipped on and off
the key ring like a key but is easier to do because of the sharp
circumferential edges. While on the key ring, the bar can be wedged, again
because of its sharp edges, between adjacent segments of the ring, ahead
of a key, thereby to spread the segments apart. Thereafter, the band is
rolled between the thumb and forefinger causing the bar to leverage the
segments of the key ring farther apart thereby to facilitate entry and
removal of a key to and from the ring. In addition to being small and
lightweight, another valuable feature is that the opener will not come off
the ring while the opener is facilitating key entry and removal although
it can easily be removed if desired.
| Inventors:
|
Williams; James M. (425 S. Elm St., No. 15A, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
795993 |
| Filed:
|
February 5, 1997 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
70/456R; 70/457; 70/458; 81/488 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A44B 015/00 |
| Field of Search: |
70/456 R,457-460
81/488
D3/207,208,210
206/37.1,37.8,38.1
24/3.6
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| 4325273 | Apr., 1982 | Gibbons | 81/3.
|
| 4543860 | Oct., 1985 | Van Meter | 81/488.
|
| 4706477 | Nov., 1987 | Rousseau | 70/456.
|
| 4719778 | Jan., 1988 | Murphy et al. | 70/456.
|
| 4790161 | Dec., 1988 | Dick | 70/456.
|
| 5373717 | Dec., 1994 | Gore et al. | 70/456.
|
Primary Examiner: Gall; Lloyd A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Costello; Leo F.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A key ring opener for spreading apart the adjacent end and intermediate
portions of a split key ring that are spring-urged against each but are
spreadable to allow a key to be placed on or taken off the ring,
comprising:
wedge means insertable between the adjacent end and intermediate portions
of a split key ring so that it is sandwiched therebetween; and
means connected to the wedge means and rollable between a user's fingers
for causing the wedge means to be leveraged between said end and
intermediate portions thereby to spread the same apart upon such rolling
movement to facilitate entry of a key between the end and intermediate
portions.
2. The key ring opener of claim 1,
wherein the wedge means is a bar that lies in the plane of the key ring
when initially inserted between said end and intermediate portions; and
wherein rolling of the rollable means causes the bar to move into angular
relationship with the plane of the ring.
3. A key ring opener for spreading apart the adjacent end and intermediate
portions of a split key ring that are spring-urged against each but are
spreadable to allow a key to be placed on the ring, comprising:
a rigid band having an axis and adapted to encircle such a key ring; and
means within the band adapted to be wedged between said end and
intermediate portions of such a key ring while the band is encircling the
ring and to spread the end and intermediate portions apart upon rolling of
the band about its axis between the fingers of a user thereby to allow a
key to be placed on or removed from the ring.
4. The key ring opener of claim 3,
wherein the band has a sharp circumferential edge adapted to be wedged
between the end and intermediate portions of the key ring for placing the
opener on and removing it from the ring.
5. The key ring opener of claim 3,
wherein the band has opposite sharp circumferential edges each of which is
adapted to be wedged between the end and intermediate portions of the key
ring for placing the opener on and removing it from the ring.
6. The key ring opener of claim 3,
wherein the means extends diametrically of the band.
7. The key ring opener of claim 3,
wherein the means is a rigid bridge extending diametrically of and
connected to the band.
8. The key ring opener of claim 7,
wherein the bridge has opposite sharp edges each of which is adapted to be
wedgingly slid between said end and intermediate portions of such a key
ring.
9. A key ring opener for spreading apart adjacent end and intermediate
portions of a split key ring of spring-steel or other suitable metal
having almost two turns that terminate in a pair of end portions on
opposite sides of an intermediate portion, said end portions being
spring-urged s against the intermediate portion but each being spreadable
away from the intermediate portion to allow a key to be slid between the
end and intermediate portions and onto the ring, comprising:
an annular band of rigid metal circumscribing an axis thereof and having
body means that allows the band to be wedged between either end portion
and the adjacent intermediate portion of a key ring and slid
circumferentially of the ring until the band either completely encircles
the ring or is separated from the ring; and
a bridge of metal extending diametrically of the band and dividing it into
two semi-circular halves so that when the band is on a key ring, the ring
is within one of the halves, said bridge having body means that allows the
bridge to be slidingly wedged between one of the end portions and the
intermediate portion of a key ring whereupon rotational movement of the
band about its axis causes the bridge to spread said one end portion and
the intermediate portion apart to enable a key to be placed on or removed
from the ring.
10. The key ring opener of claim 9,
wherein the body means of the band has a center and a pair of shoulders
that are tapered outwardly from the center to thin circumferential edges
whereby either of said edges can be wedged between either end portion and
its adjacent intermediate portion of a key ring and slid circumferentially
of the ring until the band either completely encircles the ring or is
separated from the ring.
11. The key ring opener of claim 9,
wherein the body means of the bridge has a center and tapers outwardly from
the center to thin edges whereby either of said edges can be slidingly
wedged between one of the end portions and the intermediate portion of a
key ring whereupon rotational movement of the band about its axis causes
the bridge to spread said one end portion and the intermediate portion
apart.
12. The key ring opener of claim 9,
wherein the body means of the band has a center and a pair of shoulders
that are tapered outwardly from the center to thin circumferential edges
whereby either of said edges can be wedged between either end portion and
its adjacent intermediate portion of a key ring and slid circumferentially
of the ring until the band either completely encircles the ring or is
separated from the ring; and
wherein the body means of the bridge has a center and tapers outwardly from
the center to thin edges whereby either of said edges can be slidingly
wedged between one of the end portions and the intermediate portion of a
key ring whereupon rotational movement of the band about its axis causes
the bridge to spread said one end portion and the intermediate portion
apart.
13. A key holding apparatus, comprising:
a split key ring having portions that are spring-urged against each but are
spreadable to allow a key to be placed on the ring; and
a key ring opener including a rigid band having an axis and encircling the
key ring and means within the band adapted to be wedged between said
spreadable portions of the key ring while the band is encircling the ring
and to spread the potions apart upon rolling of the band about its axis
between the fingers of a user thereby to allow a key to be placed on or
removed from the ring.
14. The apparatus of claim 13,
wherein the means is a bridge extending diametrically of and connected to
the band.
15. A key holding apparatus comprising:
a split key ring of spring-steel or other suitable metal having almost two
turns that terminate in a pair of end portions on opposite sides of an
intermediate portion, said end portions being is spring-urged against the
intermediate portion but each being spreadable away from the intermediate
portion to allow a key to be slid between the end and intermediate
portions and onto the ring; and
a key ring opener having an annular band of rigid metal circumscribing an
axis thereof in encircling relation to the key ring, the band having body
means that allows the band to be wedged between either end portion and the
adjacent intermediate portion of a key ring and slid circumferentially of
the ring until the band either completely encircles the ring or is
separated from the ring, and a bridge of metal extending diametrically .of
the band and dividing it into two semicircular halves so that when the
band is on a key ring, the ring is within one of the halves, said bridge
having body means that allows the bridge to be slidingly wedged between
one of the end portions and the intermediate portion of the key ring
whereupon rolling movement of the band between the user's thumb and
forefinger causes the bridge to spread said one end portion and the
intermediate portion apart to enable a key to be placed on or removed from
the ring.
16. A method of spreading apart the segments of a split ring key holder,
said segments being separable but being resiliently spring urged together,
comprising the steps of inserting a leveraging member between the
separable segments of a split ring key holder, and applying manual force
to the leveraging member by rolling a surface of the leveraging member
between the fingers of a user thereby to cause the member to spread the
separable segments of the key holder apart.
17. The method of claim 16,
wherein the manual force is applied by gasping opposed portions of the
leveraging member between two fingers of a user and rolling the member
between the fingers thereby to apply said force to the member.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the leveraging member includes an
annular band and a leveraging bar extending diametrically of the band,
wherein the inserting step includes inserting the bar between said
separable segments, and
wherein the manual force is applied by grasping the band between the thumb
and forefinger and rolling the band therebetween.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a key ring opener and more particularly
to a device for spreading apart the adjacent segments of a key ring that
are spring-urged together thereby to, facilitate placing a key on or
removing a key from the ring.
BACKGROUND
Perhaps the most common and dependable device for carrying keys is a split
key ring. This device provides almost two turns of spring steel that are
wound so that a pair of end segments are spring-pressed against a center
segment, with the end segments terminating in ends where keys enter and
leave the ring. Although keys are very securely retained by such a key
ring, this very security makes moving keys on and off very difficult since
the tightly wound turns of the ring must be spread apart far enough to
allow passage of a key.
Typically, a user may attempt to use the head of a key itself to wedge its
way between one of the ends and the center segment of the ring. Failing
this, or alternatively, one may attempt to spread the ring apart by
inserting a finger nail between the end and the center segment, possibly
breaking the finger nail or hurting the finger. If there are many keys on
the ring, or if other items such as pocket knife are carried on the ring,
the bulk of keys and other items may add resistance to spreading the
segments of the ring. This problem of adding and removing keys is realized
by anyone who carries keys, but it is especially annoying to those who
regularly use keys in their daily work, such as those who work in the
maintenance and security trades.
Others have recognized the problem of opening a key ring as described
above. As might be expected, the prior efforts have involved some type of
device or implement for wedging and spreading the segments of the key ring
apart. Each of the patented openers may serve to open a key ring, but they
have common disadvantages in that they add bulk to a ring already full of
keys and are not as simple to use as might be desired.
SUMMARY
A key ring opener is provided for spreading apart the adjacent end and
intermediate portions of a split key ring that are spring-urged against
each but are spreadable to allow a key to be placed on or taken off the
ring. The opener is adapted to encircle such a key ring in the same way as
a key and along with keys on the ring. The opener includes an annular band
having sharp circumferential wedging edges and a wedging bar extending
diametrically of the band and also having sharp wedging edges. The opener
is slipped on and off the key ring like a key but is easier to do because
of the sharp circumferential edges. While on the key ring, the bar can be
wedged, again because of its sharp edges, between adjacent segments of the
ring, ahead of a key, thereby to spread the segments apart. Thereafter,
the band is rolled between the thumb and forefinger causing the bar to
leverage the segments of the key ring farther apart thereby to facilitate
entry and removal of a key to and from the ring. In addition to being
small and lightweight, another valuable feature is that the opener will
not come off the ring while the opener is facilitating key entry and
removal although it can easily be removed if desired.
An object of this invention is to facilitate the spreading apart of the
segments of a key ring so that keys can be added to or removed from the
ring.
Another object is to provide a key ring opener that is easy to operate to
spread apart the segments of a key ring while remaining on the ring.
Still another object is to enable a key ring opener that, in itself, is
easy to attach to and remove from a key ring.
Yet another object is to provide a key ring opener that spreads apart the
segments of a key ring and then provides a gap through which a key can
pass, as the opener, followed by the key, are slid around the key ring
either to be placed on the ring or to be removed from the ring.
Another object is to retain a key ring opener on a key ring while the
opener is being used to provide a gap for a key to be removed.
An additional object is to provide a key ring opener that is able to
leverage the segments of a key ring apart by rolling the opener between
the fingers of the user's hand.
Yet another object is to provide a key ring opener that is small, compact
and lightweight and can be carded on a key ring with keys and other items
thereon while occupying a minimum of space on the ring.
Yet a further object is to provide key ring opener that is easy and
inexpensive to manufacture.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent upon reference to the accompanying drawings and the following
detailed description.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a key ring carrying both a key and a key
ring opener constructed in accordance with the present invention, all of
which are enlarged about twice their actual sizes.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the key ring opener shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an edge view of the key ring opener of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross section taken on line 4--4 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the subject key ring opener being shown just
as the opener is being slid on, or slid off, the key ring.
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a key ring, a key off the ring, and the
subject key ring opener on the ring and showing the opener being torqued
by rolling of the opener between the thumb and forefinger of the user
thereby to spread the key ring segments apart to facilitate placing the
key on the ring.
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a key ring, and both a key and the subject
key ring opener on the ring and showing the opener being torqued by the
thumb and forefinger to spread the segments of the key ring apart to
facilitate removing the key from the ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to FIG. 1, a key ring opener or leveraging member in
accordance with the present invention is identified by the number 20 and
is shown on a key ring 22. The key ring has a diameter Dr which is
typically one and one-quarter inch but may be smaller or larger depending
on the number and type of keys, as 40, as well as the user's preferences,
to be carried on the ring. The key ring is of typical construction being
formed of spring steel, brass, or a suitable hard plastic material. This
well known key ring in common use has approximately one and nine-tenths
turns in the shape of a cylindrical helix or spiral.
The ring 22 (FIG. 1) is thus divided into an intermediate or center segment
24 and a pair of end segments 26 that are spring pressed into tight
engagement with the intermediate segment. The end segments terminate in
ends 28 that are circumferentially spaced from each other on opposite
sides of the intermediate segment which has an offset segment 30 located
between the ends. It is also to be observed that the intermediate and end
segments have inside flat surfaces 32 that are in tight contact. Each of
the ends has a ramp 34 in obtuse angular relation to its adjacent flat
surface and in parallel relation to the other ramp and to the offset
segment. The ramp 34 and the offset segment constitute points 36 of entry
for keys, as 40, to be placed on the key ring. Furthermore, and for
subsequent reference, it is noted that the key ring defines a plane which
passes between the contacting flat surfaces of the ring.
The key ring opener 20 (FIGS. 1 through 4) of the present invention
includes an annular band 50 which is preferably circular, thus having a
diameter D.sub.o and an axis A.sub.o. In the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the diameter D.sub.o is approximately 3/8 inch although
a different diameter may be used, for example for larger or smaller key
rings 22, without departing from the principles of the present invention.
Also, the band has an axial dimension L.sub.o which, in the preferred
embodiment, is approximately 1/4 inch, although, again, this dimension is
not critical and may be varied, as will be understood. The band is also
rigid and made of steel, brass, or a suitable hard plastic, like the key
ring 22.
The band 50 (FIGS. 1 through 4) has a body 54 that provides an annular
center ridge 56 and a pair of shoulders 58 which taper axially endwardly
from the center ridge to then circumferential, outer wedging edges 60 and
61. The body also has a circumferential inside surface 62 which may be
flat or concave, but together with the shoulders, forms the wedging edges
60 and 61 (FIG. 4).
A straight wedging bar, lever, or bridge 70 (FIGS. 1 through 4) of the same
material as the band 50 has opposite ends 72 integral with the band 50 or
secured thereto by welding at diametrically opposite points, and extends
diametrically of the band. The bar thus has a length equal to the inside
diameter of the band and a width equal to the axial dimension L.sub.o of
the band. The bar has a center ridge 74 which tapers axially of the band
in both directions to thin straight wedging edges 76 and 77 which likewise
extend the full inside diameter of the band. The bar divides the band into
a pair of semicircular halves or openings 80 and 82.
OPERATION
The procedure for placing the key ring opener 20 on the key ring 22 and for
removing it from the key ring will first be described, having reference to
FIG. 5. The key ring is held in one hand with the offset segment 30 and
one of the ends 28 facing the user. The key ring opener is held in the
other hand and the circumferential edge 60 is slid between said one end 28
along the ramp 34 thereof and the offset segment 30 at an entry point 36
thereby to force the band 50 between the end segment 26 and the
intermediate segment 24. As such, one of the semicircular openings 80 of
the opener will be fitted over this end segment. The opener is then slid
along between this end segment and the intermediate segment until the
opener exits from the other entry point and is out from between the
intermediate segment and the other end segment with the semicircular
opening completely encircling the key ring (FIG. 1).
To remove the key ring opener 20 from the key ring 22, a reverse procedure
is followed. Removing the key ring opener from the key ring is best
understood by reference to FIG. 1, which shows the opener on the ring, and
FIG. 5, which now may be thought of as showing the opener being removed
from the ring. Here, however, only one-half of the band 50 is available
for insertion at one of the entry points 36 since only the semicircular
opening 80 (FIG. 5) circumscribes the key ring. Thus, the portion of the
edge 61 defining the encircling opening 80 is slid between one of the ends
28 and the offset segment 30, and the band is slid between the end segment
27, for example, and the intermediate segment. Continued sliding of the
band around the ring allows the opener to exit from the ring at the other
entry point, as shown in FIG. 5.
For spreading the key ring 22 to insert or remove a key, as 40, it is
assumed that the key ring opener 20 is on the key ring after having been
placed there as described above. For inserting a key on the key ring, the
key ring opener is moved around the key ring (FIG. 1) until it is adjacent
to the offset segment 30. In this position, one of the wedging edges 76 of
the wedging bar 70 is slid between one of the ends 28 and the offset
segment so that it moves along the ramp 34 and allows the bar to slide
between the end and intermediate segments 26 and 24 (FIG. 6). This action
is very simple to accomplish because the wedging edge is tapered and thin
and is facilitated by the ramp, although such a ramp is not necessary for
wedging entry of the bar. This initial position of the key ring opener on
the key ring, prior to full spreading of the key ring, is such that the
bar is in the plane of the key ring and that the end and intermediate
segments are partially spread apart. FIG. 7 shows this coplanar position
of the bar although FIG. 7 illustrates removal, instead of addition, of a
key.
To increase the amount of spreading, however, the band 50 (FIG. 6) is
grasped at diametrically opposed places on the band between the thumb 85
and the finger 86 of the user and rolled so as to cause the wedging bar 70
to tilt into an angular relationship with the plane of the key ring. Such
rolling and tilting action causes the wedging bar to apply leverage
between the end and intermediate segments 26 and 24 and thereby spread
these two segments farther apart. As such, the spacing 90 between the end
and intermediate segments allows ample room to insert the head of the key
40 and the opening 41 thereof on the end segment 26 and to move the key
along the end segment. Thereafter, the key and the key ring opener are
moved together, with the key following the opener, around the key ring
until both the key ring opener and the key are fully on the key ring with
a semicircular opening of the opener and the head of the key completely
circumscribing the key ring.
To remove a key 40 from the key ring 22, the band 50 is placed adjacent to
the offset segment 30, and the bar 70 is wedged between an end 28 and the
offset segment 30, similar to that described above when placing a key on
the ring. When the bar 70 is in the position as shown in FIG. 7, the key
40, now behind the key ring opener, is slid along the key ring until the
key exits from the other entry point 36 and is thus free of the key ring.
It is significant to note, however, that in the process of removing a key
from the key ring, the key ring opener does not separate from the key
ring. In moving around the key ring in advance of the key, the key ring
opener moves from a position where one of the semicircular openings as 80
circumscribes the key ring to a position where the other semicircular
opening as 82 circumscribes the key ring. As long as the bar 70 is used to
spread the segments of the key ring apart, rather than the band 50, the
key ring opener remains on the key ring. If it is desired to remove the
key ring opener from the key ring, then, as described above, the band is
used to spread apart the segments and is then slid around the key ring
whereupon it will exit from one of the entry points 36.
From the foregoing, it will be understood that the key ring opener 20 is a
very effective device for spreading a split key ring 22 apart for adding
or removing keys 40 to and from a key ring. The key ring opener is very
small and compact, and the band 50 thereof fits on a key ring along with a
number of keys without adding significant bulk to the ring or
unnecessarily occupying space desired for more keys. In addition,
operation of the device is very simple in that after the bar 70 is wedged
between the segments of the key ring, it is very easy to roll the band 50
between the fingers and thereby spread the segments further apart. An
important feature of the key ring opener is that it remains securely on
the key ring while it is helping a key to be removed from the ring.
Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and
described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by
way of illustration and not limitation.
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